The appeals court to the Iraqi High Tribunal upheld the death sentence of Saddam Hussein's cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majeed – widely known as “Chemical Ali” – for his role in an elimination campaign targeted against Iraqi Kurds in northern Iraq. A appellate court judge, Munir Hadad, stated that “The government now has to carry out the execution against Ali Majid … any time within a 30-day period.” The court also upheld the death sentences against Sultan Hashim, the former defense minister, and Hussien Rashid, the former deputy head of operations for the Iraqi military.
The death sentences stem from atrocities committed against the Kurdish population in a military campaign known as Operation ANFAL. In June, 1988, Iraqi military – directed by al-Majid – killed up to 180,000 Kurdish civilians and guerillas as part of a crackdown against uprisings in Iraqi Kurdistan. Al-Majid admitted to ordering troops to execute Kurds who would not participate with imposed displacements, however, he denied the use of chemical weapons during the campaign. Prosecutors allege al-Majid had ordered the deployment of mustard gas and nerve agents during Operation ANFAL, earning him the nickname of “Chemical Ali.” The defense, however, claims the Kurdish population were collaborating with Iran during the Iran-Iraq war and were therefore legitimate military targets. Al-Majid was found guilty and sentenced to death in June.
Al-Majid was also standing trial for his role in the brutal suppression of a Shi’ite rebellion – which was allegedly backed by the United States – following the defeat of Iraq in the 1991 Gulf War. It is estimated that tens of thousands were killed in the Shaaban Intifada and buried in mass graves. Al-Majid is expected to be executed before this trial ends.
